The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui in Kihei, HI

I am rating this property based on 13 specific criteria on a 1-10 scale: Overall rating and vibe: 10. There's an intoxicating richness about the gorgeous tropical grounds at Kea Lani, where everything was done ... just right. This is an incredible family-friendly resort with 100% suites (many with 3 full beds), superb service, awesome pools, and exceptional dining. You will not be disappointed by this place! Service: 9.99. Only one bad apple staff member, Maddy at the lower Ohana pool, who was very grouchy. Otherwise, 100% incredible service, across the board! Room: 10. Massive standard room which was actually a suite. My ALL/Fairmont Gold status got me a complimentary upgrade to a garden view suite with a palatial bathroom, the BEST-SMELLING Le Labo “Rose 31” bath amenities, and 3 full sized beds that easily fit a family of 5. It also had a massive lanai with a beautiful view of the perfectly landscaped Kea Lani gardens. Complimentary amenities: 10. Welcome lei greeting for all adults and Keiki (kids), including cold tropical drink. Complimentary luxury reusable Fairmont-branded water bottles in room, many complimentary activities, and complimentary sunscreen by pool. Unlimited complimentary towels at the pool. Many complimentary shaded umbrellas at the pools, with plenty of chairs to go around. The resort staff also send incredibly delicious birthday treats (pineapple upside-down cake) to our room because I was celebrating a milestone birthday. Pools: 9.9. Awesome, large, and very family-friendly pool complex. Medium-sized and incredibly fun waterslide. No infinity pools and the pools were not salt-water like at the Four Seasons, but otherwise incredible! The adult-only pool was also appropriately located far away from the Ohana pools. Cabanas: 9. Cabanas are an extra $300 per day and come with 4 chairs and excellent 360-degree sun protection all day. Note: The value is not unbeatable for Wailea because the Four Seasons provides complimentary cabanas with 4-sided shade, but still a great experience. Includes unlimited non-alcoholic drinks and mochi ice cream for everyone. Waterslides: 9.5. There is one waterslide which is incredibly fun and has a 31” minimum height, allowing most 3-4 year olds access as well. Perfect speed, starts in the upper Ohana pool and winds through absolutely stunning tropical landscaping before a fun drop finish into the lower Ohana pool. Lifeguard at top monitoring cameras to ensure slide safety for all. Cleanliness: 10. Incredibly clean and incredible twice-daily housekeeping with evening turndown service! This is a true, luxury, 5-star hotel (unlike the nearby "Grand" Wailea which is a 1-star hotel masquerading as a "5-star"), Family friendliness: 10. Kids 5 and under eat free in all restaurants except Nick’s Fishmarket. Incredible breakfast buffet with many GF options which my two Celiac kids LOVED. Reasonable breakfast buffet pricing ($20 for older kids and $55 for adults). Dining: 10. Ko was excellent. Nick’s was superb. Breakfast buffet was exceptional with many GF options and reasonable pricing for families with younger and older kids. Luxury: 10. Feels like a true 5-star resort. Forbes does not rate this property, but it should score a 5-star or 4-star rating from Forbes, as it is one of the world's nicest and most luxurious Fairmonts. AAA rates it a 4.9 (out of 5.0), so it is knocking on the door of 5-Diamond status and I would award it 5 Diamonds under the AAA criteria. Perhaps AAA soon will. The Michelin Guide does not rate it, but I would rate it 2 Michelin keys based on their criteria. Room for improvement: 9. The only room for improvement would be if Maddy at the pool could be friendlier and exude more “Aloha Spirit” to her cabana guests. Value for Families with Kids: 10. Between the 100% suite layout fitting 5 people comfortably and the "kids 5 and under eat free" policy, the value here is exceptional for a luxury, true 5-star Wailea, Maui resort.

A wonderful hotel in a gorgeous setting! Suites are so well appointed and luxurious in all ways. The breakfast buffet is as good as any we’ve ever seen. One of us is gluten free and having safe options without compromising choice and taste was so appreciated. Facilities, bars, spa all outstanding, which created the perfect high end but down to earth vibe. Would definitely return!

Unbelievable! This hotel brings hospitality to a whole new level. We were fortunate to have an ocean view suite. It was stunning. Everything in the room was perfect. The bed was one of the most comfortable I've ever slept on, the views were incredible, the housekeeping staff were amazing. Everyone we encountered during our stay was friendly, polite and amazingly good at their jobs. The food was exceptional. Going back to Maui, I wouldn't stay anywhere else.

Our stay at Fairmont Kea Lani had some positive moments thanks to Luz, Dani, the bell team, and the kind staff at Ko Restaurant and Pilina Bar. However, the overall experience was disappointing and stressful, especially given the circumstances of our trip. This was my children’s first real vacation, and we were celebrating two birthdays (mine and my 8 year old daughter) which the hotel was aware of in advance. Unfortunately, there was no acknowledgment at all — not even a small gesture like a cookie or note, which was surprising for a luxury family resort that promotes personalized guest experiences. We were traveling with three children (one on crutches) and an 88-year-old medically fragile senior with mobility limitations, yet staff did not provide meaningful assistance coordinating accessible airport transportation, forcing us to rely on Uber to make our flight home. The front desk only consistently made me aware of how expensive transportation costs were, as if I could not afford it! I was highly offended. Why would I vacation in Wailea twice a year if I can’t afford to go to the airport? Why even bring that up? On our departure day, we requested a hospitality suite so our family could shower before a evening flight. Multiple staff members incorrectly told us no such option existed and suggested we use public outdoor beach showers where kids wash their feet off, which is not appropriate for children or an elderly disabled guest. Another staff member suggested that I purchase a spa pass for $75 per person to shower before our flight, but said the children could not shower there. Only after repeatedly asking multiple front desk employees, did Luz, my saving grace, who obviously has common sense, arranged our access to a hospitality suite at the last minute. I was charged $350 for the hospitality suite, but I appreciate her professionalism.

I cannot say enough good things about this hotel in Maui. It was our first time to Maui as a family and we cannot stop talking and reminiscing about how much we love the island and this resort. When we ask our 11 year old her favorite part, she said it is absolutely the music classes at the resort. My husband’s favorite part might have been the breakfast buffet. The resort was the perfect mix of luxury, family, adventure and relaxation! Thank you Fairmont. We cannot wait to come back!